Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
One of the world’s foremost crystal manufacturers, Baccarat has long been emblematic of luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Starting in the early 19th century, objects produced by the French company — from stemware to chandeliers to brightly colored paperweights — became a staple of noble and wealthy households across Europe and as far afield as India. Along with the purity and quality of their glass, Baccarat crystal makers can boast a remarkable fluency with a range of design styles — from cut-glass neoclassical pieces to sinuously etched Art Nouveau designs.
Baccarat began as a kind of industrial development project. In 1764, the Bishop of Metz and other landowners in heavily forested northeastern France persuaded Louis XV to sanction a glassworks in the area — timber being a key resource required for the furnaces used in glass production.
In its early years the company produced humble products such as window panes and simple drinking glasses. In 1816 a new owner began making crystal, and seven years later Louis XVIII — who had taken the throne after the defeat of Napoleon — gave Baccarat its first royal commission, for tableware. In the ensuing years, an estimated one-third of the company’s workforce was dedicated to commissions to the Russian imperial court alone.
Spurred by the intense competition between global industries in the latter 19th century — fought in public view in the many world expositions of the era — Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat, as it had finally become known, elevated its level of artistry by adopting new technologies and creating a rigorous training program. The firm broadened its stylistic range, embracing Asian influences and new engraving methods, and increasing production of its now iconic millefiori paperweights.
The designer Georges Chevalier, who worked for Baccarat for more than five decades beginning in 1916, ushered the company into the realm of modernist design. In recent years, Baccarat has employed such renowned contemporary designers as Philippe Starck and Marcel Wanders, ensuring that Baccarat crystal will continue to enjoy pride of place on up-to-date tables. But as you will see from the offerings on these pages, Baccarat has items to suit any taste.
Find antique Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat furniture and decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
1880s French Japonisme Antique Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
1990s French Mid-Century Modern Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century Czech Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Glass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal
19th Century French Antique Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Marble, Bronze
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Teak
Mid-20th Century American Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Bronze
20th Century French Neoclassical Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
1960s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal
Mid-20th Century French Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal
Late 20th Century French Modern Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal
20th Century French Belle Époque Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal, Bronze
Late 20th Century French Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Teak
1870s French Louis XVI Antique Cristalleries De Baccarat Furniture
Crystal